Fire extinguisher



ATTORNEYS Nov. 25, 1930. P. G. MacGREGoR F-IRE EXTINGUISHER Filed Jah. 18, 1929 j .\\"-M,/l a 2 5 a. .l a /6 5 3|-. a J M L.

Patented Nov. 25, 1930 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE PETER GRAHAM MA'CGREGOR, OF '.PEQUANOCK, NEW JERSEY, ASSIGN'OR TO PYRENE MANUFACTURING COMPANY, F NEWARK, NEW JERSEY, A CORPORATION OF DELA- WARE FIRE Ex'rmGUIsHEn Application led January 18, 1929. Serial No. 333,416,

This invention relates to re extinguishers of the pressure type characterized by a c'onl tainer for the fire extinguishing liquid and a cartridge containing a highly compressed gas such as carbon dioxide which, when the cartridge is punctured, produces within the i. container a pressure which expels the fire ex-l tinguishing liquid therefrom. The structure hereinafter described in which the invention is embodied is particularly adapted for use with a highly volatile fire extinguishing uid such as methyl-bromide,n although it is not limited to use in that connection.

The general object of the invention is to vprovide a new and improved fire extinguisher of the type above mentioned which is simple in construction, reliable and efficient in operation, is easily recharged after use, and may be readily'inspected to make sure that it is in proper working order. i

Besides certain highly advantageous fea- '4 tures of construction and combination of parts, the invention is characterized by thel facts that the chamber or receptacle contain- I' 25 ing the tire extinguishing fluid is normally novel features of the invention will be apparent from the followingy description of the embodiment thereof illustrated in the accompanying drawing in which Figure 1 is a central, longitudinal, sectional view of anextinguisher embodying the invention, certain parts thereof being broken away intermediate the ends of the extinguisher; Figure 2 is a horizontal, sectional view taken onthe line 2-2 of Figure 1; Figure 3 is an enlarged horizontal sectional view taken through the valve mechanism on line 3-.3 of Figure 1 and Figure 4 is a longitudinal sectional Aview of the cartridge holding and puncturing mechanism showing the seal broken and the cartridge as havmg been moved into cartridgepiercing position. i

The re extinguisher includes a she1l`10 l tridge 12. This housing 14 is formed at one which serves as a container for a suitable fire extinguishing medium, such as methylbromide. To one end ofthe shell 10 is connected, as'by brazing or soldering, a head 11, provided with a filling opening through which the container maybe filled with fire extinguishing liquid, and into which a sealedv cartridge 12, carrying a compressed gas such as carbon-dioxide, may be inserted and therel held ready for use when the extinguisher is operated in the manner hereinafter more particularly described.

The closure for the illingopening'of the container 10 includes anv internally screw threaded bushing 13, connected at its upper end by brazing or soldering, to the head 11. The closure also includes an externally screw threaded head or housing 14, havin a chamber 15 adapted for the reception o the carend with an opening'17, adapted for the reception of a striking pin or plunger 18 adapted to cooperate with the cartridge 12 to move the same when it is desired to release its contents in a manner hereafter described. The

striking plunger 18 is limited in its longitu-v dinal movements by a shoulder 19 carried thereby and adapted to engage the bottom wall of the pocket within which the shoulder is carried and also adapted to' engage a washer 21 seated in an internally screw threaded opening at one end-of the housing 14, within which opening 'is carried a screw threaded gland nut 22 adapted to coo crate with the washer 21 for holding a suita le packing ma- 85 terial 23 in position about the striking pin 18. Preferably, the outer end of the striking pin 18 is provided with a suitable head or button 24 towhich a blow, may be delivered for ac3' tuating the striking -pin to release, the con- 90 tents of the cartridge 12.'

The bushing 13 is formed with a seal receiving ledge 25, having an'annular groove 26 therein and adapted for the reception vof asuitable metallic disc or seal 27, preferably 95 of thin sheet metal,l which serves to normally prevent the liquid contents of the fire extinguisher from entering the dlschargetube hereinafter more particularly described.

This sealing disr.- 27 is retained in position 100 upon the ledge 25 by an annular clamp ring 28, having an annular bead 29 which is adapted to engage the outer margin of the sealing disc 27 and force the same into the groove 26 to provide an adequate sealing engagement of the sealing disc with the ledge 25. The annularring 28 is formed on its periphery with a shoulder 30, with which an annular flange 31 carried by the housing 14 is adapted to engage so that the ring 28 may be forced down firmly into sealing engagement with the disc 27 as the head 14 is screwed into the bushing 13, the ring 28 being provided with a flange or skirt 32 adapted to fit within the annular flange 31.

The bushing 13 is provided at its innerl end with a cage-like extension 35 having a plu-Y rality of openings 36 through whiclrthe con-` tents of the cartridge 12 passes into the container 10 when the cartridge is punctured and through which the liquidcontents of the extinguisher passes as it is being expelled, in a manner hereinafter described.` The end portion of the extension 35 carries a cartridgepuncturing pin 37 which' is suitably attached to the bottom of the extension 35, the pointed `end of such pin being located in proximity to the sealing disc 27 and in axial alignment with the cartridge 12. Surrounding and engaged by the neck portion of the cartridge 12 is a seal fracturing device in the v form of a tubular cutter 38 having a flared cutting portion 40 which has a sliding lit within the bore of the cage-like extension 35. As the cartrid'e 12 is moved longitudinally and inwardly by the thrust of the striking pin 18, the tubular cutter 38 cuts out the entire centralarea of the sealing disc 27 by a shearing action. and the inward movement of the cartridge 12 cau-ses the striking pin 18 to pierce the cut-out portion of the sealing disc. 27 and puncture the end of thecartridge, thereby releasing its contents which escapes into the container 10 through the openings 36 in the cage 35. This cutting out of the central portion of the sealing disc 27 and its movement inwardly also permits the fire extinguishing liquid to pass through the openings 36 in the extension 35 into the annular space 41 between the cutter 38 and the inner wall of the ring 28. Leading from this annular space 41 are a plurality of radialA passages 42 through the wall of the ring 28a which communicate with a peripheral groove 43 formed in the outer surface of the ring 28. The annular space formed between the Wallv of the groove 43 and the inner wall of the bushing 13 is in communication through an outlet passage 44, formed in the bushing 13, with a discharge tube 45, as clearly shown in Figure 1. The dischai ge tube 45 communicates with the valve chamber 46 formed in a valve housing 48' located within the recepta'cle 10 and having its outer end project-V mg through the wall of that receptacle and suitably connected to the same by a liquid tight joint. t

Slidable within the housing 48 is a valve stem 49, carrying at its outer end a suitable head or button'50 and provided at its other end with an internally screw threaded s ocket 51 and an external shoulder 52. Upon the valve stem 49 is carried a cone shaped valve 53, the smaller end of which engages the shoulder 52 and the larger end of which is engaged by a disc 54 carried by a guide pin 55, one end of which is screwed into the socket 51 of thevalve-stem 49 and the other end of which is slidable within a socket 56, formed in an extension or bo'ss57, carried by a closure plate 58 for the chamber 46, the plate 58 being suitably connected to the housing 48. Normally the valve 53 is maintained seated upon .its seat by a compression spring 59, carried within the chamber 46, one end of such spring being in engagement with the disc 54 and the other end thereof being in engagement with the closure 58. When it is desired to establish communication between the chamber 46 and an outlet chamber 60 formed in the housing 48, the valve 53 is moved out of engagement with its seat by depressing the valve stem against the compression spring 59. From the chamber 60 leads a discharge pipe 62, which extends through the end walll of the receptacle 10 and is there suitably connected to a discharge nozzle 63, the base portion of which is seated within a cup-shaped depression 64, formed in the end wall of the rece tacle and suitably connected thereto, as by razing or soldering. Preferably, the screw threaded end of the discharge pipe 62 is provided with a gland nut 65, between which and the discharge nozzle 63 is confined a suitable packing 66, which surrounds the screw threaded end of the discharge tube 62 and is located within the relatively large opening through which the discharge pipe 62 passes. n

To operate the extinguisher, 1t 1s held with its discharge nozzle 63 pointed generally upwardly as shown in Figure 1, whereupon the striking plunger 18 is subjected to a blow, thereby causing it to` move longitudinally within the housing 41. As the striking plunger so moves, the cartridge 12 is moved along its longitudinal axis carrying with it the cutter 38 which serves to blank or cut out the central area of the sealing disc 27. Upon continued movement of the cartridge 12, the pointed end of the piercing pin 37 punctures the end of the cartridge with the result t-h'at its contents escape through the openings 36 of the cage-like extension 35 and create a pressure over the liquid contents of the extinguisher, which pressure may be utilized to expel the fire extinguishing medium. After releasing the contents of the cartridge 12, the fire extinguishing liquid is permitted to escape through the openings 36 20 housing 14, sealing ring 28 and the puncofthe cage-like extension 35, into the cham-y sages -42 into the discharge pipe 45 leading i and cartridge puncturing means separate.

to the valve chamber 46. By depressing the valve stem 49 to open the valve 53 between the chambers 46 and 60 with which the discharge pipes 45 and 62 communicate, respectively, the liquid may be permitted to pass through the pipe 62 to the nozzle 63. f Not Only does the valve. 53 serve to release the fire extinguishing liquid from the receptacle 10, butit also enables such of the fire extinguishing medium as may remain within the receptacle 10 upon the extinguishing of a coniiagration to be retained.

In order to reiill the extinguisher for use, the housing 14 is removed and the clamp ring 29 lis withdrawn thereby permitting the punctiired seal 27 to be removed.. With the tiired seal 27 removed, the extinguisher may be refilled with a suitable fire extinguishing liquid, whereupon a new seal is introduced and clamped in place by the ring 28 which is forced down' into intimate engagement i with the peripheral margin by screwing thehousing 14 into position, it being understood that a new sealed cartridge 12 carrying a compressed gas is substituted for the punctured cartridge before the housing 14 is applied and that the circular cutter 38 is placed,

in position about the new cartridge to remove the central area of thesealing disc when the extinguisher is next operated.

While only one form of the invention is hereinf shown and described, it will be understood that various changes may be made without departing fromthe spirit of the invention or the scope of the following claims.

' What is claimedis A 1. A fire extinguisher comprising a liquid receptacle having an outlet, a seal normally closing said outlet, a sealed cartridge containing afcompressed gas to be released and directed into said receptacle, a seal fracturing device in cooperative relation to saidsseal,

from seal-fracturing means and rendered effectiveupon operationy of said seal fracturing device to release the vcontents of said cartridge. l

2..- A fire .extinguisher comprising a liquid receptacle having` an outlet, a seal normally closing said 0ut1et,a sealedcartridge containing compressed gas to be released and directedvinto said receptacle, means for movably supporting said cartridge, actuating .means for moving said cartridge, aseal fracturing `device movable with 'said cartridge, and cartridge puncturing means with reference to which sii-id ca-rtridge is movable l'cqy3,14 fire extinguisher comprising a liquid receptacle having an outlet, a seal normally l' closing said outlet, a sealed cartridge -containing a compressed gas to be released and directed into said receptacle, a seal fracturing device located on one side of said seal andin cooperative relation to said seal, and

cartridge punct ring means located on the other side of said seal'andrendered effective upon operation of said seal fracturing device to release the contents of said cartridge..

4.' A iiie extinguisher comprising a liquid said compartment and containing compressed gas tou be released and directed into said coinpartment, a. seal fracturing device for opening communication between said compart ment and said outlet, and cartridge puncturing means separate from said sealfracturing means and rendered effective upon operation of said seal fracturing device to release the contents of said cartridge.

5. A fire extinguisher comprising a liquid receptacle having an outlet, a seal nornrally preventing the passage of liquid from said receptacle to said outlet, a sealed cartridge containing a compressed gas movably supported outside said seal, a seal fracturing device movable with said cartridge, cartridge puncturing means supported within said re ceptacleon the inside of said seal. and means for moving said cartridge and seal frac-turing device to eifec-t the fracturiiig of the seal and the puncturingof said cartridge.

6. A fire extinguisher comprising a liquid receptacle having-a compartment for carrying a iire'extingui-shing medium and having an outlet adapted to communicate with said compartment, a seal normally closing communication between said compartmentV and said outlet, a sealed cartridge located without said compartmentand containing compressed gas to be released and directed into said compartment, a .seal fracturiiig-device associated with said cartridge, means for moving said cartridge and for simultaneously moving said seal fracturing device to open communica tion between said compartment and said outtiive in pincturing said cartridge.

7 A fire extinguisher comprising a liquid receptacle having a compartment for carrying a fire extinguis ing-medium and having 'an outlet adapted to communicate with said compartment, a housing associated withvsaid f'receptacle, a sealed cartridge movably mountrender such .means effective in puncturing" isaid, cartridge.

to be released and directed into said compart ment, a seal normally closing communication between said com artment and said outlet, a seal fracturing t evice associated-with'said cartridge and movabletherewith, a longitudinally movable striking pin slidable within said housing for moving said cartridge and for simultaneously moving said seal fracturing device to openA communication between said Compartment and said outletvthrough said seal, and cartridge puncturing means withreference to which said cartridge is movable to render the same effective in puncturing said cartridge.

8. A fire extinguisher comprising a liquid receptacle having an outlet and a fil ing opening, a closure for said filling openin includ-V ing a bushing having a ledge, a'sea peripherally supported upon said ledge, a clamp ring engaging the peripheral margin of said seal, a housing associated with 'said bushing and engagin said clamp ring, a longitudinal movable sea ed cartridge carried within said housing and containing a compressed gas to Vbe released and directed into said receptacle,

a seal fracturing device yfor opening communication betweenlsaid receptacle and said outlet, a cartridge puncturing means rendered effective upony operation of said seal racturing device with reference to which said cartridge is movable to render the same effective in puncturing said cartridge.

.9. A fire extinguisher comprising a liquid receptacle havin/g an outlet and a filling opening, a closure for said filling opening including a bushing having a ledge, a seal peripherally' supported upon said ledge, a clamp ring engaging the peripheral marginvof said seal, a housing associated with said bushing and engaging said clamp ring, a longitudinal movable sealed cartridge carried within said housing and containing a compressed gasto be released and directed into said receptacle, a seal fracturing device for opening communication between said receptacle'and said outlet, a l'cartridge puncturing means rendered effective upon operation of said seal fracturin'g device with reference to whichsaid cartridge is'fmevable to render the same effective in pncturing said cartrid e, anda,

valve for controlling the escape o fire extinguishing liquid to said outlet. v

affixed my In testimony whereof, I, have signature to this specification. Y

PETER GRAHAM MAeGREGrORg 

